Hillsong London (the Prof)

Sunday was our first free Sunday and we decided to visit Hillsong London.  The church meets in the Dominion Theatre, which is currently hosting the musical We Will Rock You based on Queen's music.  I thought the contrast was pretty amusing.  Hillsong is a very large church.  The theatre appears to hold about 1500 people and it was crowded--and they have four services a Sunday.

One of the more surprising things was that we actually ran into the greeters for the church before we even left the subway station.  We were trying to figure out which exit to go out when I noticed two guys with jackets that said "Hillsong."  So I walked up and said "where are you guys"?  They started to explain where they were from and then realized that we were wanting to find the church.  They seemed a bit surprised, but one quickly volunteered to lead us in, and led us into the building to our seats.  That's probably the furthest away I've ever met an escort into a worship service.

The church is definitely aimed at the younger crowd.  A significant % were under 30, but there were families and even a 70-102 class (102 being the age of the oldest member).  Though I noticed that they met separately rather than joining the rather loud, rock concert feel of the worship service.  Somewhat ironically, I didn't know any more of the music than I have at some of the older churches.  It was just probably newer than I keep up with.

I was impressed that Hillsong was just as diverse culturally as All Souls.  Granted, London is a diverse town, but it's clear that no one ever told these churches about target grouping.  And that's a good thing.  The church should bring people together rather than accept or encourage separation.